How to Ride a Bike
Learning to ride a bike takes patience. You’ll likely crash and fall a few times. But once you’ve mastered it, you’ll never forget.
Up next in Bike Riding Tips (11 videos)
They say you never forget how to ride a bike -- but here are some cycling tips you may not have learned the first time around.
You Will Need
- A bicycle
- A large paved space that’s free of obstacles
- A regulation bike helmet
- Full-fingered gloves
- A strong friend or family member to hold the bike while you start pedaling
Steps
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Step 1
Put on your helmet and gloves
Strap your helmet on and put on your gloves.
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Step 2
Sit on the bike
Sit on the bike with your feet on the ground and grab the handlebars.
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Step 3
Practice braking
Practice braking. If you have hand brakes, squeeze them so you know what it feels like to stop the bike. If it’s a coaster brake, practice pedaling backward until the brake stops you from pedaling anymore.
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Step 4
Have friend hold bike & put feet on pedals
Have your friend steady the bike, then put your feet on the pedals.
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Step 5
Pedal the bike
Start pedaling, not too quickly that you lose control, but fast enough to maintain momentum. Have your friend run along with you, keeping the bike steady.
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The faster you go, the easier it is for the bike to stay upright.
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Step 6
Have your friend let go
When you reach a speed that will keep you upright, your friend can let go.
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Step 7
Keep pedaling, even if you turn
You might wobble or turn without meaning to. Just keep pedaling! As long as you’re moving forward, you should stay upright.
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Step 8
Brake and start up on your own
You’re riding a bike! Ride around, getting used to the feeling. When you feel comfortable, brake, then practice starting up on your own.
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Rubber tires, paved roads, and jockstraps were all first invented for bicyclists in the late 1800s.
